Education Minister-Designate, Haruna Iddrisu, has reiterated his firm opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, underscoring the need to uphold Ghana’s cultural and moral values. He stressed the importance of respecting the country’s traditions and ethics in addressing the LGBTQ+ debate.

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Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 20, 2025, Haruna Iddrisu articulated his position on the matter, referencing his religious beliefs and cultural upbringing. “It’s a cultural wrong, with my religion as a Muslim, you know where I stand on this matter. It is repugnant to my Muslim values and ethics,” he stated.

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He further noted, “I do not want to believe that many a Ghanaian parent would want their children trained in a way which is not consistent with the way I and you were brought up as Ghanaians. That a man can relate to a man and a woman can relate to a woman.”During his remarks, Haruna Iddrisu emphasized the importance of preserving Ghana’s identity.

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“We’re a country and we define our values both social and cultural, and we should expect all other persons to respect those values,” he added.The debate surrounding LGBTQ+ practices in Ghana has sparked significant public and political discourse in recent years. On January 14, 2025, former President John Dramani Mahama addressed the issue during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Accra.

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He proposed a shift in strategy for advancing the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, suggesting that it be introduced as a government-sponsored initiative rather than a private member’s bill.According to President Mahama, government sponsorship would grant the bill more legitimacy and enhance its prospects of passing through Parliament.Ghana has been working towards criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities for over two years.

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An Anti-LGBTQ+ bill was introduced during the tenure of the 8th Parliament and passed by the House. However, it failed to receive presidential assent before the dissolution of Parliament on January 6, 2025, effectively rendering it null.

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Despite the legislative hurdles, Haruna Iddrisu reaffirmed the country’s commitment to preserving its values, stating, “We’re a country, we have our own values, and we have a duty to preserve those values within the ambit of the constitution.”

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